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Tetrahydrozoline (Into the nose)

Introduction:

Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride (tet-ra-hye-DROZ-oh-leen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Brand Name(s):

Tyzine, Tyzine Pediatric

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tetrahydrozoline (Tyzine®). Do not administer the 0.1% solution to children younger than 6 years old. Do not administer the 0.05% solution to children younger than 2 years old. You should not use this medicine if you are using a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Do not use this medicine more than once every 3 hours.
  • This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
  • This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • If you are using the nasal spray for the first time, you will need to prime the spray. To do this, pump or squeeze the bottle until some of the medicine sprays out. Now it is ready to use. Prime the spray after each time you clean the pump, or if you have not used the medicine for 5 days or longer.
  • Shake the bottle of medicine well just before each use.
  • To use the nasal spray, hold your head upright, and quickly squeeze the bottle while sniffing.
  • To give the nose drops to your child, have your child lie down on his back on the bed, and tilt his head back over the edge of the mattress. Drop the liquid into his nostrils using a dropper, and have your child stay in that position long enough to keep the drops from running out of his nose or down his throat.
  • Before using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils.
  • After using the nasal spray, wipe the tip of the bottle with a clean tissue and put the cap back on.
  • After using the nose drops, rinse the dropper with hot water and dry with a clean tissue.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart problems such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a metabolic-endocrine disease, such as diabetes or overactive thyroid.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat.
  • Severe drowsiness with heavy sweating (in children).
  • Slow heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Burning, stinging, redness, or dryness in the nose.
  • Difficulty falling sleep.
  • Headaches, dizziness, or light-headedness.
  • Shakiness.
  • Sleepiness or feeling drowsy.
  • Sneezing or runny nose.
  • Reviewed last on: 1/4/2010
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